The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the United States Army have commenced a Civil-Military Operations symposium on Monday 2 September 2024 at the Accra City Hotel in Ghana.

The symposium brought together Senior Military Officers, Government Officials, members of the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) and civil society representatives from both nations for a week of collaboration and dialogue. The symposium aims to strengthen partnerships in addressing regional security challenges and enhancing humanitarian efforts. Participants will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations focused on effective civil-military operations, including disaster response, humanitarian assistance and community resilience.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from the Deputy Chief of Staff, in charge of Operations and Training at the Ghana Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kweku Dankwa Hagan, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between military and civilian sectors in promoting stability and development. “This symposium represents a vital opportunity to share knowledge and strategies that can address the pressing challenges we face together,” he stated.

The US Army Civil Affairs Team Leader, Lieutenant Colonel Dewight R. Cassells, and Major Erin M. Kan emphasised their commitment to working alongside Ghana to foster security and resilience in West Africa. They noted that the event is expected to provide actionable insights and strategies for improving response capabilities and community engagement in both nations.

The ISG Regional Programme Coordinator for Coastal West Africa, Mr Dean Bland, commended the GAF for building a trust-based civil-military relationship. He noted that the Institute’s objectives include strengthening the capabilities of West African security institutions through training, education, and advisory services, with a focus on strategic planning, leadership, and operational effectiveness.

Major Erin M. Kan, who is also moderating the symposium, stated that attendees will participate in interactive sessions featuring case studies of successful civil-military initiatives. She emphasised that the discussions are designed to foster innovative solutions and strengthen the bonds between civil and military entities. The meeting is expected to end on Friday 6 September 2024.